Sean KingstonI Settled Gang Rape Lawsuit

8/31/2013 12:40 AM PDT BY TMZ STAFF

Sean Kingston has settled up with the 22-year-old girl who accused the singer and his former bodyguards of gang rape back in 2010, sources close to Kingston tell TMZ.

Sources tell us, Kingston settled NOT because he's admitting guilt, but because his upcoming tour and new album release will prevent him from focusing his energies on a messy civil trial.

Our sources close to Kingston's team say he paid the alleged victim only a fraction of what she asked for in order to make the lawsuit disappear as soon as possible. They didn't tell us the exact amount of the settlement.

That said, we're told Kingston believes he would have won the case outright if it went to trial ... the same way he dodged criminal charges three years ago.

As one source said, "Her story wasn't consistent. She told various stories throughout her interviews with police. Her friend's story wasn't consistent with hers. The medical report had no indications of force."

As we reported, Kingston acknowledged having sex with the girl -- when she was 19 -- but said the sex was consensual. The lawsuit is expected to be dismissed shortly.